DIY Solar Panel Installation — Is It Feasible & Is It Worth It
You do not need to be an experienced electrician or a certified solar professional to install solar panels at your home.
DIY solar panel installation is certainly possible.
But the installation process can be tedious and nuanced. If you're unfamiliar with solar, it may be best to leave it to the professionals. Every stage of development can present potential roadblocks:
effective system sizing
unfamiliar paperwork and electrical diagrams
proper installation technique
interconnection agreement
If navigating these stages and managing setbacks is of interest, then DIY solar panel installation could be for you. For those who want quick access to clean, reliable energy… go with a professional solar company.
How To Install Solar Yourself
For DIY solar panel installation, there are five general steps.
Determine system size — calculate your ideal system size based off of your kilowatt-hour (kWh) energy consumption. This info is available on your electric utility bills. Then determine how much solar capacity your roof (or land) can support.
Get permitting — depending on where you live, you’ll likely need a building permit and an electrical code permit. This process forces you to think about the equipment you'll use. It also requires a layout of the structural & electrical design.
Buy equipment — you can buy equipment from some solar panel and inverter manufacturers. Others only sell in bulk to approved installers. So equipment options may be limited for DIY solar panel installation. There are DIY solar kits available at Home Depot, Costco, or on Amazon.
Install solar — install the mounting into the roof truss and screw in the solar racking that’s used to secure the solar panels. Then run the wiring that will plug into the back of your solar panels. Put the solar panels on the mounting and plug them in. Lastly, install an inverter that’ll connect to your electrical panel.
Receive utility approval — once the solar system is set up, you need utility approval to connect to the grid. Once approved, the system can go live. You can generate electricity from solar energy and send excess power to the grid.
Every step in this process could present various roadblocks. There are entire books dedicated to DIY solar installation. It may be complex, but with enough time and persistence, you can work through it.
If that is starting to sound tiresome...
A professional solar company will navigate and execute this entire process for you. This could save you time now as well as money in the long-run.
The Benefits Of Using A Solar Panel Company
Beyond the reduced headache... there are several other benefits to having a professional solar company install your system.
First, most solar installers come with a Workmanship Warranty that guarantees their work for a certain period of time (often 5-10 years). This assures reliable and integrity-driven work. The solar company covers any structural damage caused to your roof during installation.
Next, the solar company will help you recoup costs by guiding you through the different local, federal, and utility incentives. The federal tax credit is widely understood, but other local incentives or rate plan adjustments can easily go undetected without a discerning eye.
Lastly, it’s estimated that installation and labor only make up roughly 10% of total costs. For many, the peace-of-mind granted from a warrantied and professionally installed system more than makes up for that 10% figure.
When choosing your solar provider, focus on companies with accreditation from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This certification demonstrates familiarity with solar installation.
When DIY Solar Makes Sense
DIY solar panel installation makes sense in a couple of situations.
First, it can be well suited for a small off-grid project. Powering outdoor sheds or exterior lights might be great opportunity for DIY solar. There are complete kits for sale at stores like Home Depot and Costco.
Next, DIY solar panel installation is great for those who want a better feel for solar energy through hands-on experimentation. You can hook up a couple of panels and monitor their performance. That way you can become more familiar with the technology and your own energy consumption. You’ll also be able to save a few dollars on your monthly electric bill in the process.
It Usually Makes Sense To Use A Trusted Solar Company
You can DIY solar panel installation.
For a complete home system, it will be more convenient and streamlined to go with a NABCEP certified solar installer.
A professional solar company will assure that the system is properly installed, that best building practices are used, and that you are getting the right system size to meet your needs. On top of that, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that their services didn’t skyrocket your costs and that their work is warrantied for the next decade.
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